Just finished the 2005 race and it is definitely hilly for 90% of the route. Beautiful scenery, numerous well-stocked water stops, helpful volunteers, plenty of food at the finish for everyone. Be prepared for the hills though. Only negative comment is the traffic on parts of the course, which can't be helped, so run defensively. Very few spectators. Great race at a pretty time of the year.

This was my first marathon in my home state and I loved it. Make sure you do some hillwork first because you're going up or down for most of the way. What spectators there were were friendly and encouraging. Fun to run with all the 50-Staters that run this race and listen to their stories in one of only two New Hampshire marathons. They've got great stories. One problem for me... NO ice at the finish and no one seemed to know why I might want some???? I eventually got an ice pack from the ambulance but they definitely should have some at the finish line.

I didn't run this race due to an injury but came with some friends who did to lend support and encouragement. The course was excellent for following someone throughout the race as you could easily stop to take pictures. However, I do agree that the hills were very challenging.

This was my first marathon in over 20 years, and I really enjoyed it. The course is beautiful, but a bit hilly (20 years ago the hills didn't seem as steep). Like other responders in this string, I found the run along West Shore Road a bit dangerous due to the lack of traffic control. However, I really appreciated the aid stations with smiling, encouraging folks who gave out lots of water/Gatorade, especially the station right around the halfway mark that had bananas (yum!). And the massage after the race was a real delight, nice touch (no pun intended). I will most likely run this marathon again, but only after qualifying for Boston on a flatter course.

Very scenic course but also very hilly. Don't expect to PR without some hill training. Make sure you know the course as there were spots that didn't have arrows or people to direct you. Also, please try to complete the race on foot in fairness to fellow runners. My family observed some runners getting out of a car somewhere between mile 24 and 25. One had bib #67. I can't believe someone would stoop that low for any reason.

This was my first small marathon - I had been worried that I wouldn't have people with me the entire way to keep me motivated like in larger marathons, but even just the couple runners I was on pace with were great, as were the small crowds along the way!! Also, I'm very fortunate - this time my family could come and give me candy/energy gels along the way - that is the only thing that I wish they had for other runners; Gatorade/water stops were plentiful. I have to admit another fantastic part was getting a sports massage at the end - that was wonderful.

True this course is hilly, but upon completion - you feel like a 'bad-ass' - pardon my French. :)

Course was very beautiful. Enjoyed the hills. Was running in the top 20 until mile 24. A group of us made a wrong turn. NO ARROWS OR TRAFFIC CONTROL AT THAT POINT. NO EXCUSE FOR WRONG TURNS ON A ROAD COURSE. Very frustrating to put out that effort for nothing. My 65th marathon. Never has happened before. Won't be back. Thanks to the people along the course for helping prior to 24 miles.

The race is nestled in the small town of Bristol, NH, and getting there is pretty simple from the airport - it's only an hour ride. The course is hilly and wraps around the local lake. The roads are not coned so you really need to pay attention to the traffic. I stayed to the left side of the road (against traffic)on the way out as they wanted us to do, but on the way back the right side was my choice because of the road's steep slope to the left. The water stations need to use paper cups instead of plastic (plastic cracks when you squeeze it). The small race's atmosphere was great, and its not often the race director lends you his jacket to warm up. I recommend this race for someone who likes a challenge but knows it's not going to be a PR day.

Overall, nice course, but HILLY.

I came all the way from NW Florida to run this marathon and saw two people from my area! What a suprise! Us marathonors just can't stay home.

This course has quite a few hills, but nothing major. Just don't expect a PR unless you are used to them. The weather was not as good as I had hoped, but on a sunny day, I am sure the lake is beautiful. I was planning on traveling to Portland, Maine to try my first back-to-back, so took it slow. Met a nice fellow runner planning on doing the same thing, so we stuck together. Phoning home after finishing the marathon, I learned my husband had had an accident back home and was in ICU, so I had to speed back to Boston and fly home, missing out on Portland the next day. A few days later I remembered seeing a fellow running the marathon barefoot. I have had dreams about forgetting my shoes... how does he do it? Said he had never had blisters...

I enjoyed this marathon and would like to return to the area again. The crowd was small, and when I finished there was not much food left (what pizza?), but the school had showers, and almost everyone got some type of door prize. A real down-home feeling.

I enjoyed the race, the second half was a bit dangerous due to more traffic and rain. The aid station support was great. I was shocked that I had to pay for my t-shirt, there were plenty on hand. I paid the late fee, and expected the chance of none available. There was no pizza at my finish time of 4:18:30. And 10-year age groups make it a bit hard to place. I traveled from Florida and was visiting Vermont. Next time I'll run the Portland, Maine Marathon. I just think you all could do more for marathon runners.

Thanks,
Lance Jorgensen